Yellow Jacket
Page A8
May 1, 2014
THE BACK PAGE
Graduation Garb
By Olivia Latimer Assignments Editor
Looking around in a sea of black robes at commencement can be a little overwhelming, especially if you are spending the whole time trying to understand the significance of the different gown styles and other academic regalia traditions. What robe style means what, and where did all the colors come from? Check out here where it all began and where we stand today with graduation attire.
Regalia worn today Robes or gowns There are three different styles of gowns and robes worn, each signifying the highest level of academic degree held by the person wearing it. The gown worn by someone holding a bachelors degree has pointed sleeves and is worn closed during ceremony. The gown worn by someone who has attained a master’s degree had oblong sleeves which are open at the wrist with the base hanging down. They can be worn open or closed with fasteners. Doctoral robes include velvet panel trimmings down the front with three velvet bars worn on the sleeves. Traditionally, all robes no matter the degree are worn in black. Today, some universities and colleges elect to invest in robes in their school colors.
Hoods
History Academic regalia began in the 12th and 13th centuries when universities began to form. The standard dress no matter student or teacher was clinical garb. In 1321 the University of Colombia required all degree holders to wear gowns. Colors were not assigned to signify field of study until the late 1800’s. The American Council on Education reviewed and revised the costume code in 1959. Later in 1986, it was added to the code that PhD holders wear dark blue.
What the colors signify:
Made out of the same fabric as the rest of the gown, academic hoods are traditionally black as well. The length varies with degree, doctoral hoods being the widest. They are often lined on the inside with school colors. The edges are often lined in velvet colored by field of study.
Drab: accounting, business, commercial science, industrial and labor relations
Tams
White: arts, English, sociology
Significant of doctoral degrees, made of velvet with ribbon over the fabric. Number of sides may vary and is ‘poofed’ at the top. They generally come with tassels and one or two buttons.
Light Blue: Education
Cap or mortarboard Flat and four sided worn on top of the head. They come with a single button at the top where a tassel hangs from which usually is colored to signify the institution.
Blue-Violet: architecture, city, regional and urban planning
Scarlet: Divinity and theology Silver: Oratory and chiropractic Orange: Engineering Crimson: Communications Gold: Sciences Dark Blue: Philosophy and political science Purple: Law Salmon: Public Health
Sources:
Citron: Sanitary and social science, social service
Academicapparel.com Oakhalli.com
Design & Photo by Megan Potosky